The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) welcomed nearly 180 friends and family members aboard for a friends and family day cruise, Sept. 7.
The crew held its annual one-day excursion to boost morale and give loved ones a chance to experience life aboard a Navy ship first-hand.
“ Bunker Hill has had a pretty tough operational schedule over the past two to three years with two deployments over an 18-month stretch,” said Capt. Michael J. Ford , commanding officer, USS Bunker Hill. “This gives them a chance to relax a little bit and enjoy the time showing off their ship to friends and family.”
Family and friends of the crew were awarded an eye-opening peek at just how their Sailors run the ship and keep it afloat.
“It’s my first time on a ship, so I’m looking forward to seeing how things run in the Navy,” said Thelma Miller .
After a safety brief, Bunker Hill gave a demonstration of the 25mm MK38 and 5-inch MK45 deck guns, allowing everyone on board to see some of the cruiser’s firepower.
“They were able to observe the 25mm gun shoot and allowed to see a smoothly operating sea and anchor detail,” said Operations Specialist Seaman Recruit Charles Norvice .
There was a steel beach picnic, a treat that the crew is usually afforded during underway periods. There was also plenty of down time for whale watching.
“I love that I have a chance to give [my girlfriend] the experience of what it is like to be on a ship and out on the ocean, ” said Engineman 2nd Class Johnny Clemente.
Loved ones traveled from all over the country and from as far as Spain and the State of Eritrea, a country in the Horn of Africa.
“This is a time when we can be close to each other and they can see exactly what we do,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Faniel Gebray . Gebray’s father traveled from Eritrea to participate in the cruise.
“He sees what I do, he is proud of me and it is exciting to know that he is proud of me, ” said Gerbay.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, September 13, 2012; Image: US Navy